Owner of dogs that attacked woman on Beacon Hill unknown

Two dogs that were taken to the Seattle Animal Shelter after mauling a woman on Wednesday are under quarantine.

Don Jordan, shelter director, said the dogs, both females, are “pit bull-type dogs.”

“We have no definitive information about the ownership of the dogs. They’ve been cared for; they’re in great shape,” Jordan said.

Seattle police and medics were called to the corner of Beacon Avenue South and South Cloverdale Street on Wednesday morning for a report of a dog attack.

Police said witnesses called 911 to report the Beacon Hill attack around 10:30 a.m. The 28-year-old victim was taken to Harborview Medical Center where staff said she suffered not life-threatening injuries.

Two of the three people who jumped in to help the woman were also bit.

Jordan said that if the owner of the dogs is not found they will be put to sleep next week. At this point, shelter staff do not know if the dogs have an illnesses, or whether they’ve been vaccinated for rabies, he said.

The dogs have not been aggressive to staff at the shelter, Jordan said.

“This is a prime example why it’s so important for dog owners, who own more muscular breeds, to properly secure them,” Jordan said. “If they get out you never know what’s going to set off a particular dog. All dogs have a potential to bite.”

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The Today File is a general news blog featuring real-time coverage of Seattle and the Northwest. It is reported by the news staff of The Seattle Times and includes stories from The Associated Press and McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.